School district close to buying more property

The Sunnyside School Board gave its permission following an executive session Monday night to allow superintendent Dr. Rick Cole to negotiate to purchase property.

Cole will negotiate with Corey and Ann Berg to purchase 20 acres of property in the area of Washout Road. The land is located on the south side of the existing property the district already owns on Washout Road, which will be used to construct a new middle school.

The deal is expected to be finalized in time for approval at the December school board meeting.

Board takes no action on contract

The Sunnyside School Board took no action on the contract of Cheryl Pira following a discussion in executive session Monday night.

The board was considering approving the contract for Pira to serve as coordinator for the Javis Gifted and Talented Program. Pira has been working with Mac Chambers in overseeing the cluster program the district offers students.

Board member Bill Smith asked that Pira's contract be removed from the consent agenda and the matter be discussed in executive session. Smith gave no reason for his action.

Pira's contract is expected to be back before the board at the December meeting.